Rose pruning

[richardgreen]

All my rose bushes are budding furiously right now, when should I prune them back so they don't get too spindly?

[Clanad]

You don't indicate what type of roses you have, i.e., floribunda, tea, etc. However, the best time for pruning roses is when they are dormant.  But, since yours are budding, wait until the buds have opened before pruning.  Roses tend towards the gluttonous... lots of water, nutirients, sun and pruning.  A medium sized plant (2 to 3 feet high) should limited to about 4 or 5 main "canes".  Prune any dead or damaged wood. After the blooms have set, find the branch with a 5 lobed leaf and make the cut at a 45 degree angle just above this leaf. (If you can't locate a 5 lobed leaf use the nearest 3 lobed leaf). Use sharp pruning instruments.  If you're experiencing any Black Spot or other fungus, dip the pruners in a 1% common bleach solution between cuts. Remember, the main purpose in pruning is to assist new growth, from which most new blooms will come... Enjoy! (I envy you and your climate since I won't even uncover my roses until April here in the western U.S.)